Family reacts to Phoenixville murder verdict (with video)

PHOENIXVILLE — It’s been an emotional time for the family of Guatemalan immigrant Selvin Mamerto Lopez-Mauricio who was killed for a backpack containing a paycheck, $300 cash and a fast food meal.

Having to experience the court proceedings has caused the murder victim’s family to relive the Sept. 2011 robbery and shooting, said Jose Parra, a friend of the family.

Parra said the family has mixed emotions about court proceeding outcomes of the trio Monique Robinson, 19, of Phoenixville, Saleem I. Williams and Stephan Reidler, 25, of Linfield.

Last Thursday, a jury found Robinson guilty of second-degree murder, finding that she was an accomplice in the shooting death of the restaurant worker during a robbery. Robinson refused to testify despite encouragement from her defense attorney.

In addition, Robinson was found guilty of robbery, aggravated assault, theft, conspiracy, firearms violations, and flight to avoid apprehension for the September 2011 shooting death, according to past reports.

In a plea agreement Saleem I. Williams, 21, of Sharon Hill, pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of instruments of a crime. He was sentenced to 40 to 80 years in prison. Williams had presented a statement that the gun had “gone off” when there was a struggle with the victim.

Stephan Reidler, of Montgomery County, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in December and is facing 20 to 40 years in prison.

According to testimony, Williams had pointed a .22 semi-automatic handgun at the victim’s uncle, Robinson took the backpack and Reidler prevented the uncle from calling the police.

Parra said the victim’s brother cried after the verdict for Robinson was presented.

“He was glad that justice was served,” Parra said. “He said he would have liked Monique to take responsibility for what she did and say sorry to the family.”

Parra said the family wanted Robinson to take a plea bargain where she would get 30 to 60 years in prison.